The series was produced by The Wonder Project, a studio led by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, and is internationally distributed by Lionsgate. The creators have emphasized that the show is made for a broad audience, not just religious people.[4]
The series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes made available on Amazon Prime Video, followed by weekly releases for the remaining episodes. The series received positive feedback for its high production quality and its respectful portrayal of Jewish traditions and the biblical story. Within its first 17 days, the show attracted 22 million viewers, and Amazon Prime announced the renewal for a second season.[5] Season 2 will be released beginning October 5, 2025.[6]
Premise
Set in 1000 BC in Israel, the first season chronicles David as a young shepherd anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king following Saul's mental deterioration. On his path to the throne, David encounters both challenges and opportunities from his faith and relationships, culminating with his fight against the Philistine giant Goliath.[7]
Cast and characters
Main
Michael Iskander as David: A shepherd in Bethlehem from the Tribe of Judah who is anointed to be the next king of Israel. A poet and a musician playing the lyre, he is the youngest son of Jesse and Nitzevet, the younger brother of Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, the older brother of Avva, and a relative of Joab. Raphael Korniets portrays David as a child.
Raphael Korniets portrays a young David
Ali Suliman as Saul: The first king of Israel from the Tribe of Benjamin, the husband of Ahinoam, the father of Jonathan, Eshbaal, Mirab, and Michal, and the cousin of Abner. He is a former donkey herder and the son of Kish.
Indy Lewis as Michal (here spelled Mychal): A princess of Israel, the younger daughter of Saul and Ahinoam, the sister of Jonathan, Eshbaal, and Mirab, and David's love interest.
Ethan Kai as Jonathan: A prince of Israel, the oldest son of Saul and Ahinoam, and the older brother of Eshbaal, Mirab, and Michal.
Oded Fehr as Abner: The commander-in-chief of his cousin Saul's army.
Yali Topol Margalith as Mirab: A princess of Israel, the older daughter of Saul and Ahinoam, and the sister of Jonathan, Eshbaal, and Michal.
Davood Ghadami as Eliab: A high-ranking soldier in Saul's army, the oldest son of Jesse and Nitzevet, the older brother of David, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
Ayelet Zurer as Ahinoam: The first queen of Israel, the wife of Saul, and the mother of Jonathan, Eshbaal, Mirab, and Michal.
Aury Alby as Joab: The second-in-command officer of Saul's army after Abner and a relative of Jesse and his children.
Recurring
Inbar Saban as Kazia: A servant girl in King Saul's household
Stewart Scudamore as Adriel: The chief elder from the Tribe of Judah and an adviser of Saul. He is the son of Barzillai.
Louis Ferreira as Jesse: A former elder in Bethlehem, the father of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, the husband of Nitzevet, and a relative of Joab. He is the son of Obed and the grandson of Boaz.
Stephen Lang as Samuel: A prophet and a seer of the LordGod, who is the last of the judges leading Israel before anointing Saul and David as kings. He is husband of Hila and the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Naby Dakhli as Abinadab: A high-ranking soldier in Saul's army, the second son of Jesse and Nitzevit, a brother of David, Eliab, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
Rada Rae as Avva: The daughter of Jesse and Nitzevet and the younger sister of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem.
Aziz Dyab as Nethaneel: The fourth son of Jesse and Nitzevet, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
Stefanos Vuksanovic as Ozem: The sixth son of Jesse and Nitzevet, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
Konstantinos Krommidas as Raddai: The fifth son of Jesse and Nitzevet, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
Paolo Luka-Noé as Jordan: The youngest son of Adriel and a love interest of Mirab's.
Siir Tilif as Nitzevet: The wife of Jesse and the mother of David, as well as his siblings Eliab, Nethaneel, Abinadab, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva.
Martyn Ford as Goliath: A Philistine giant from Gath descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim, an enemy of Israel, and the brother of Lahmi, Ishbi, and Benob.
Jeremy Xido as King Agag: The king of Amalek and an enemy of Israel.
Sam Otto as Eshbaal: A prince of Israel, the younger son of Saul and Ahinoam, and the brother of Jonathan, Mirab, and Michal.
Eden Saban as Besai: A Baal priestess and an advisor to Ahinoam, the queen of Israel and Saul's wife.
Teleplay by: Jon Erwin & N.D. Wilson & Nathan A. Jacobs Story by: Jon Erwin
February27,2025(2025-02-27)
Five hundred years after Mosessplits the Red Sea, the seer Samuel (Stephen Lang) anointsSaul (Ali Suliman) from the Tribe of Benjamin as the first king of the Kingdom of Israel for 25 years, yet King Saul gradually becomes prideful of his victories. At the Valley of Elah, 1000 BC, the shepherd David (Michael Iskander) prepares to fight the Philistine giant Goliath (Martyn Ford). One year earlier, David rescues his sheep from a lion in Bethlehem. In Havilah, King Saul and the Israelites defeat King Agag (Jeremy Xido) and the Amalekites while the Philistines attack Baal-Hazor. In Gilgal, King Saul sets up a monument to sacrifice and celebrate with spoils of war but spares King Agag, defying the LordGod's command to destroy Amalek. Samuel receives a prophecy in Ramah and confronts King Saul with a rebuke for disobeying the Lord God, who leaves and rejects Saul as the king by choosing someone to replace him. King Saul loses his sanity after tearing Samuel's robe while Samuel slays King Agag. As David kills the lion in a cave, Samuel searches for the next king.
2
"Deep Calls to Deep"
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn & N.D. Wilson
February27,2025(2025-02-27)
Several years earlier, in Bethlehem, David becomes an outcast as a bastard. After David's mother, Nitzevet (Siir Tilif), sacrifices herself to save David from the lion, David's father, Jesse (Louis Ferreira), forces David to work as a shepherd. In the present, Jesse admonishes David. In Gibeah, King Saul and Queen Ahinoam (Ayelet Zurer) order the commander-in-chief Abner (Oded Fehr) to find the one whom Samuel anoints. King Achish (Alexander Uloom) of Gath meets with fellow kings of Philistia to plan an attack on Israel. David's older brothers, Eliab (Davood Ghadami) and Abinadab (Naby Dakhli), and their relative, Joab (Aury Alby), return from the Amalekite battle. David attempts to convince Eliab and Abinadab to enlist him in the army. The priestAhimelech (Dimitris Ziakas) teaches Princess Michal (Indy Lewis) about the scriptures. Encountering King Achish and the Philistines in Baal-Hazor, David and a wounded Eliab escape. King Saul loses his sanity again, and Prince Jonathan (Ethan Kai) and Abner suppress him.
3
"The Anointing"
Alexandra La Roche
Jon Erwin & Bekah Hubbell
February27,2025(2025-02-27)
Due to his worsening mental state, King Saul accidentally kills a servant with his spear. Jesse and his other sons heal Eliab. Abner commands King Saul's Edomite servant, Doeg (Ashraf Barhom), to find Samuel. Samuel goes to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king. Queen Ahinoam, with Abner, consults a medium to break King Saul's curse. King Achish meets with the mother of giants, Orpah (Sian Webber), and the Anakim descendants, including Goliath and Lahmi (Raresh DiMofte), to assemble an alliance against Israel. Entering Bethlehem, Samuel invites Jesse and his sons to offer sacrifice. Under the Lord God's guidance, Samuel assesses David's seven older brothers, including Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel (Aziz Dyab), Raddai (Konstantinos Krommidas), and Ozem (Stefanos Vuksanovic), but rejects each one as king. Learning that David, the youngest, is not present, Samuel reprimands Jesse, who sends for David. When David arrives, Samuel senses that he is the one. Samuel anoints David as the new king of Israel. Meanwhile, King Saul returns to his throne.
4
"The Song of Moses"
Alexandra La Roche
Bekah Hubbell
March6,2025(2025-03-06)
Before leaving, Samuel blesses David, who receives the Lord God's Holy Spirit. Jesse and his other sons agree that no one can know of David's anointing. Joab delivers an order to bring David to the palace. After the Tribe of Dan's elder alleges that Prince Eshbaal (Sam Otto) defiled his daughter, Queen Ahinoam banishes her son to the city of refuge of Endor, following the Law of Moses. In Gibeah, Queen Ahinoam summons David to comfort King Saul with music. David plays the lyre and sings his psalm, pleasing King Saul. Despite Eliab's warning, David befriends Princess Michal, whom he had met earlier. Princess Michal teaches David how to read and write, deepening their relationship. David continues to play the lyre while singing the Song of Moses, winning King Saul's favor. Believing King Saul pursues him, Samuel hides with his wife. After the convoy transporting Prince Eshbaal is ambushed, an unidentified figure asks Eshbaal to join him, and Eshbaal accepts.
Queen Ahinoam tries to cover up King Saul's insanity and show strength by hosting a feast to welcome Adriel (Stewart Scudamore), the chief elder from the Tribe of Judah. Despite objections from Queen Ahinoam, Eliab, and Joab, David pursues a relationship with Princess Michal. The House of Saul plans to unite with Adriel, where King Saul offers a reluctant Princess Michal in marriage with one of Adriel's sons. Undetected by others, King Saul is tormented by a menacing spirit resembling King Agag. When David plays his lyre, King Saul's presence of mind is momentarily restored and he promotes Adriel as an adviser. Observing that Princess Merab (Yali Topol Margalith) has connected with another of Adriel's sons, King Saul decides that she instead should be the daughter whom he marries off. During the blessing ceremony, Adriel receives the scroll of the Blessing of Jacob from King Saul and reads it. The harmful spirit continues to manipulate King Saul, who accuses Adriel of trying to take his throne. King Saul again oscillates into madness, prompting he and Adriel to cancel their alliance and Princess Merab's marriage. Both unable to sleep, King Saul and David speak peaceably. King Saul invites David to sit on his throne, which David does not do until King Saul has returned to bed.
Orpah narrates the origin of giants from the Nephilim as the offspring of rebellious angels known as the Watchers, including Samyaza, and humans, acknowledging Goliath, Lahmi, Ishbi (Andreas Alevizos), and Benob (Christos Villanakis) as the last of them. At the palace, David becomes closer to King Saul. In Gath, King Achish proposes an alliance with Orpah and Goliath, providing Mycenaean bronze armor and weapons to Goliath and training him in combat, yet declines Orpah's request for the throne. Upon discovering David's hidden background, Princess Michal confronts him, but also confesses her love for him. However, due to her royal obligations, she says they can never be together. Doeg seeks his ulterior agenda for King Achish by killing Orpah and blaming it on Israel and the House of Saul. Realizing his music cannot cure King Saul's descent, David leaves Gibeah, confessing his love for Princess Michal to Princess Merab, and comes home. On Mount Sinai, Prince Jonathan finds Samuel, who reveals he has anointed another as the next king. Prince Jonathan comes across the Philistine armies assembling at the Valley of Elah, informing King Saul, Abner, and Joab. Goliath ambushes an Israelite camp and returns to Gath to avenge Orpah's death, allying with King Achish.
7
"David and Goliath - Part 1"
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
March27,2025(2025-03-27)
Jesse sends his sons including Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem to join their older brothers in the war, but does not allow David to go. Samuel visits Jesse and David for a sacrifice. At the Valley of Elah, King Saul rallies the Israelite armies while the Philistine armies from Gath, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Gaza unite with King Achish, King Ashkelon (Haydar Koyel), King Ashdod (Yannis Anastasakis), and King Yurza (Derek Horsham). An armored Goliath wielding weapons emerges, challenging the Israelites to send their king or greatest champion to fight him. He loudly defies Israel and the Lord God, frightening the Israelites and causing more torment for King Saul. King Saul becomes disoriented and searches for someone willing to fight Goliath. David tells Samuel of his vision, and Samuel relates it to the commander of the Lord's army, who appears to Joshua several centuries ago, affirming David's fate. Goliath continues to intimidate the Israelites for weeks, and Prince Jonathan decides to fight him, recalling the Battle of Michmash. Samuel encourages Jesse to reflect more openly on the reason he holds back David. Acknowledging Samuel's prophecy, Jesse reconciles with David, revealing his love for him and Nitzevet, and commands David to bring provisions for David's brothers on the battlefield.
8
"David and Goliath - Part 2"
Jon Erwin & Jon Gunn
Jon Erwin & Jonathan Lloyd Walker & Nathan A. Jacobs
April3,2025(2025-04-03)
The Philistines attack the Tribe of Zebulun as it retreats from the Israelite encampment, slaughtering everyone. Jonathan leads a small party into the Philistine camp to try to kill Goliath and the other giants in their sleep, but his fellow soldiers are killed and Jonathan is captured when one of them is revealed to be a traitor. Goliath continues to taunt Israel for forty days. King Achish releases Prince Jonathan on condition that he convince King Saul to surrender. Reaching the camp with Princess Merab, Princess Michal comforts King Saul with scriptures. Prince Eshbaal returns to assume the throne because he expects the Philistines to defeat their army. David arrives at the camp and learns about Goliath. Eliab rebukes David for coming, but David volunteers to fight Goliath. King Saul summons David, who testifies to his experiences as a shepherd. Moved by David's conviction, King Saul chooses him to face Goliath. David and Princess Michal reunite, confessing their love for each other. Prince Jonathan finds and discovers David as the Lord God's anointed. David approaches Goliath, who dismisses David. David speaks of the Lord God's deliverance and declares his victory. David runs toward Goliath and Goliath throws his spears, striking David, though not fatally. Samuel appears on a plain above the battlefield. David rises and slings a single stone, striking Goliath on the forehead. After Goliath falls, David uses his sword to cut off his head. The Philistines flee, and the Israelites pursue them as David holds Goliath's sword.
Production
Development
Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn both known for their work in faith-based cinema
The development of House of David originated from creator Jon Erwin's longstanding interest in the biblical story of King David. Erwin's fascination with the narrative began in his youth and led him to start working on the script as a teenager after visiting King David's tomb in Jerusalem. This early inspiration eventually contributed to the creation of the television series years later. The series was produced by The Wonder Project, a studio founded by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.[8] Amazon's interest in a high-budget biblical series was piqued when On a Wing and a Prayer proved unexpectedly popular on the platform.[9]
Amazon's initial order was only for one season. Erwin said before its release that the script he wrote encompasses three seasons, hoping to finish it.[10]
Casting
The casting process for House of David was extensive, spanning four months to find the ideal actor for the titular role. The filmmakers said the actors did not need to be personally religious, but needed to be excited about the story.[9]
After a four month casting search, newcomer Michael Iskander was ultimately selected to portray David,[11][12] marking his first major acting credit. Iskander secured the role in auditions partly because he had thrown the shot put and the discus in high school.[13] Joining him is Ali Suliman as King Saul, the first king of Israel whose complex relationship with David forms a central pillar of the story. Ayelet Zurer portrays Queen Ahinoam, Saul's wife, adding depth to the royal family dynamics.[14] Veteran actor Stephen Lang takes on the role of Samuel, the prophet who anoints David. Additionally, British bodybuilder and actor Martyn Ford was cast as the formidable Goliath.[15] Ford is 6'8" and 320 pounds, and in the series is portrayed as 9'9" through forced perspective and digital enhancements.[13]
The writing of House of David seeks to present a nuanced depiction of King David by combining scriptural narratives with creative storytelling. Co-created and directed by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, both known for their work in faith-based cinema, the series aims to make the biblical story more relatable to contemporary audiences. Drawing primarily from the early chapters of 1 Samuel, the narrative follows David’s transformation from a shepherd to a central figure in Israel’s history. The writers expand upon the biblical text to explore his relationships with key figures such as King Saul and the prophet Samuel, adding complexity to these interactions.[17]
The series integrates direct biblical references with original dialogue, developing subplots that provide depth to secondary characters, including Saul, Michal, and Jonathan. It also delves into David’s internal struggles with faith, morality, and leadership, extending beyond his well-documented battles and victories.[15]
The series is intended to be faithful to the Hebrew Bible but not necessarily a strict retelling of the biblical account of David. "I do remind people this is not Scripture. This is not the source material. This is a love letter to the source material," Erwin says.[18] Historians, biblical and rabbinical scholars, and pastors were consulted in writing the script.[9]
One of the challenges in writing the series was crafting dialogue that felt authentic to the historical setting while remaining accessible to modern audiences. To achieve this balance, the writers adopted a formal yet naturalistic style, avoiding overly archaic language.[19]
Erwin and Gunn say that the show is not only intended for religious people but for a broad audience, with inspiration taken from The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.[2]
Principal photography
Principal photography for House of David commenced in 2024, with the production team selecting Greece as the primary filming location. The country's ancient architecture and diverse landscapes provided an authentic backdrop for the biblical narrative. Specific locations included the region of Fyli, which effectively represented the historical setting of the series. Additionally, parts of the series were filmed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, utilizing its vast terrains to depict various aspects of the story.[20]
The production team initially scouted locations in Morocco, Jordan, Italy, and Israel before finalizing Greece and Canada for their suitable landscapes and infrastructure. Filming in these locations not only provided visual authenticity but also contributed to the high production values noted in the series.[21] Over 700 people were involved in the production.[10]
Generative artificial intelligence was used in combination with traditional special effects to create an origin sequence for Goliath. Erwin stated that AI made the scene grander and more detailed than their time and budget would allow using only regular tools.[22]
Production for season 2 began in Greece over Easter weekend in 2025.[23]
For House of David, their composition incorporates a blend of traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation and contemporary orchestral elements, aiming to align with the historical setting while appealing to modern audiences. The series' official soundtrack, House of David: Season One, was released digitally on February 27, 2025, to coincide with the show's premiere.[24]
Additionally, a compilation album titled Music Inspired by the Prime Video Original Series "House of David" features songs from various artists that complement the themes of the series. The album was made available for pre-save on February 21, 2025.[25]
Release
The series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes made available for streaming.[26][27] New episodes were released weekly on Thursdays Prime Video, with the season finale airing on April 3, 2025.[28] In its first week, the series reached #2 on Prime's most watched list.[29] It drew 22 million viewers in the first 17 days, leading Amazon Prime to quickly renew it for a second season.[5]
Season 2 will debut on October 5, 2025, initially as an exclusive to subscribers to the Wonder Project add-on to Amazon Prime Video. It will be released to all Amazon Prime subscribers at a later date.[30]
Reception
Critical response
The series has received a range of reviews from critics. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 7 critics gave the series a positive review, with an average rating of 7/10.[31]
The Gospel Coalition praised House of David for maintaining a balance between narrative engagement and biblical accuracy. The review highlights how the multi-season format allows for more in-depth character development compared to feature films.[32] Similarly, Leah MarieAnn Klett of The Christian Post describes the series as "visually stunning and spiritually rich," commending its high production values and performances. She notes that the show effectively blends biblical accuracy with compelling drama, making the story accessible to contemporary audiences.[33]
Alison Herman of Variety critiqued House of David for its lack of depth, calling it “wooden and cheap-looking” despite Amazon’s investment in biblical epics. Acknowledging its positioning as a prequel to The Chosen, the review cites inconsistent accents, unconvincing special effects, and a lack of emotional engagement to ultimately consider the show uninspired, failing to develop compelling characters or match the intrigue of historical dramas like Shōgun.[34] Martin Carr of Comic Book Resources describes House of David as a "sweeping biblical epic" that embraces a grand storytelling approach. He highlights the series' exploration of political power struggles and divine intervention, crafting a narrative of triumph against overwhelming odds that resonates with contemporary audiences.[35] Joel Keller of Decider acknowledges its attempt to present biblical figures with greater depth but argues that it falls short, stating that the characters "appear more like mythical figures rather than relatable humans" and describing the tone as "dull and uninspiring".[36]
Batya Ungar-Sargon of The Free Press called the series "phenomenal" and praised its depiction of Jewish traditions. "The show’s most important contribution is in exposing liberal American Jews to the way so many of our Christian neighbors see us—not as an oppressed victim caste who killed Christ and should be loathed for it, but rather as an ancient, noble tribe of warrior poets and kings favored by the blessing of the God they serve," she wrote.[37]
In House of David, the character of David is portrayed as a musically talented yet marginalized figure within his family, burdened by guilt and fear, and initially hesitant to accept his divine calling. This portrayal reflects certain aspects of the biblical narrative—David is described as a skilled musician (1 Samuel 16:18–23; Psalms 23) and was initially overlooked by his father Jesse during Samuel's search for a new king (1 Samuel 16:11). However, the series emphasizes a rebellious and doubtful disposition that contrasts with the biblical account, which presents David as confident and faithful from a young age. In the Bible, David expresses trust in God, notably during his confrontation with Goliath,[38] declaring that "The Lord… will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37), a level of conviction not reflected in the series.[39]
The series introduces a fictional narrative in which David's mother is depicted as a Gentile, and David is portrayed as being viewed as illegitimate by his family and blamed for her death (House of David, Episode 1). This portrayal does not appear in the biblical account, which neither identifies David’s mother as a Gentile nor implies his illegitimacy. The depiction may draw loosely from certain Jewish traditions or interpretations of passages such as Psalm 69:8–12, where David describes being alienated from his brothers. The series references the biblical figures Ruth and Rahab—David's great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, respectively—as Gentiles (Ruth 1:16; Joshua 2:1–21), but the connection is speculative and not explicitly made in the biblical text. These creative additions provide a dramatic backstory that differs from the scriptural narrative, which focuses on David's humble origins and his selection by God (1 Samuel 16:7).[40]
King Saul and His Family
The depiction of King Saul, portrayed by Ali Suliman, follows the biblical narrative in several key aspects. His disobedience regarding the command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3–9) and subsequent rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26) are presented in accordance with the scriptural account in House of David (Episode 1). The series also reflects the biblical portrayal of Saul’s decline into paranoia and instability, described in 1 Samuel 16:14, with Suliman's performance emphasizing this transformation. However, the series incorporates dramatized elements not found in the Bible, such as Saul attacking his wife, Ahinoam, and fighting with his son Jonathan, which serve to heighten the character's instability for narrative purposes.[41]
In House of David, Queen Ahinoam is portrayed as a politically ambitious and scheming figure, a characterization that differs significantly from her limited mention in the Bible (1 Samuel 14:50). The series also diverges from the biblical narrative by depicting Saul's son Eshbaal (Ishbaal) as attempting to claim the throne during Saul's lifetime, whereas in the Bible, Eshbaal's short reign takes place only after Saul's death (2 Samuel 2:8–10). In contrast, the portrayal of Jonathan aligns closely with the biblical account, presenting him as a devoted son and loyal friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1–4). The series further alters the timeline of events by showing Saul's daughter Michal developing a romantic relationship with David before his rise to fame, whereas the Bible states their relationship begins following David's defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 18:20–27).[42][39]
Other Figures
The portrayal of Goliath and the Philistines in House of David blends elements of historical context with creative interpretation. In the Bible, Goliath is described as a giant from Gath, equipped with armor and weapons that suggest Mycenaean Greek influence (1 Samuel 17:4–7), consistent with scholarly theories that associate the Philistines with the "Sea Peoples" originating from regions such as Crete or Cyprus (Deuteronomy 2:23; Amos 9:7).[43][44] The series reflects this historical background by accurately portraying Goliath's bronze greaves and spear. However, it introduces fictional elements, including a backstory in which Goliath is the son of a woman named Orpah—a character linked to Ruth's sister-in-law in rabbinic tradition—and part of a family of giants living in a cave. These additions draw from both biblical and non-biblical sources such as 1 Chronicles 20:5 and various mythological interpretations. The dramatized battle scene in which Goliath hurls a javelin at David is also a creative addition; the biblical account only describes David defeating Goliath with a single stone from his sling (1 Samuel 17:49–50).[3][40]
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